Slot machine and playing method thereof

ABSTRACT

A selection signal is received from an exterior. Among plural types of selection object symbols, it is set at least one of the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol. It is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. The plural symbols including the scatter symbol is rearranged in a display. It is awarded a payout determined by a combination of symbols rearranged on a payline. It is awarded a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/836,934, filed on Aug. 11, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a slot machine and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

In a conventional slot machine, when a player inserts a game medium suchas coin or bill into an insertion slot of the slot machine and pushes aspin button, plural symbols are scroll-displayed in a display mounted ona front of a cabinet and each of the symbols is then stoppedautomatically.

In such slot machine, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 B2 or U.S.Patent No. 2002065124A1, for example, when the symbols stopped on apayline constitute a predetermined combination, predetermined number ofgame media is paid out. In addition, when a certain symbol referred toas scatter symbol is displayed on the display, predetermined number ofgame media is paid out in accordance with the number of scatter symbolsdisplayed, irrespective of the payline. In other words, in theconventional slot machine, the payout is made in combination with thetwo methods.

The invention provides a slot machine having an entertainmentcharacteristic, which is not provided to the prior art, and a playingmethod thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures below andhaving a display and a game controller. The display has a payline andarranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The game controllerhas plural types of selection object symbols, sets at least of theselection object symbols having a type corresponding to a selectionsignal inputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol, and sets payoutrankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signalsinputted from the exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges thesymbols to award a payout determined by a combination of the symbolsrearranged on the payline and to award a payout determined on the basisof the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and thepayout rankings.

In the slot machine of the invention, when a selection signal isinputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding tothe selection signal, among the plural types of the selection objectsymbols. In addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbolset, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then,the symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged. After that,the payout is awarded on the basis of a combination of the symbolsrearranged on the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and out ofthe payline and the payout rankings of the scatter symbols.

The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures below andhaving a display and a game controller. The display arranges a scattersymbol. The game controller has plural types of selection objectsymbols, sets at least one of the selection object symbols having a typecorresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as thescatter symbol, and sets payout rankings for the scatter symbols set,based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior. Further, thegame controller rearranges the scatter symbols and awards a payoutdetermined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged and the payoutrankings.

In the slot machine of the invention, when a selection signal isinputted from the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding tothe selection signal, among the plural types of the selection objectsymbols. In addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbolset, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then,the symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged. After that,the payout is awarded on the basis of the scatter symbols and the payoutrankings.

The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures below andhaving a display and a game controller. The display has a payline andarranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The game controllerprovides an arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols to differentparts of the display. In addition, the game controller has plural typesof selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area, setsat least one of the selection object symbols having a type correspondingto a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol,and sets payout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payoutranking signals inputted from the exterior. Further, the game controllerrearranges the symbols to award a payout determined by a combination ofthe symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a payout determinedon the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the paylineand the payout rankings. Furthermore, when it is made a predeterminedunit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol, the game controllerreceives selection of the scatter symbol after a next game.

In the slot machine of the invention, the arrangement area and theselection area are provided to different parts of the display. Theselection object symbols are arranged in the selection area. When aselection signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scattersymbol corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types ofthe selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout rankingfor the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking signal inputtedfrom the exterior. Then, the symbols including the scatter symbols arerearranged in the arrangement area. After that, the payout is awarded onthe basis of a combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline, thescatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payoutrankings. In addition, when it is made a predetermined unit game-number,it is received selection of the scatter symbol after a next game.

The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures below andhaving a display and a game controller. The display has a payline andarranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The game controllerprovides an arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols to differentparts of the display. The game controller changes a selection-number ofthe selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area,sets, among the selection object symbols, at least one of the selectionobject symbols having a type corresponding to a selection signalinputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol, and sets payoutrankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signalsinputted from the exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges thesymbols to award a payout determined by a combination of the symbolsrearranged on the payline and to award a payout determined on the basisof the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and thepayout rankings.

In the slot machine of the invention, the arrangement area and theselection area are provided to different parts of the display. Theselection object symbol whose selection-number is changed is arranged inthe selection area. When a selection signal is inputted from theexterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding to the selectionsignal, among the plural types of the selection object symbols. Inaddition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol, based on apayout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbolsincluding the scatter symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area.After that, the payout is awarded on the basis of a combination of thesymbols rearranged on the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline and the payout rankings.

The invention provides a slot machine comprising structures below andhaving a display and a game controller. The display has a payline andarranges plural symbols including a scatter symbol. The game controllerprovides an arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols to differentparts of the display. The game controller changes a selection-number ofthe selection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area,sets, among the selection object symbols, at least one of the selectionobject symbols having a type corresponding to a selection signalinputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol, and sets payoutrankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signalsinputted from the exterior. Further, the game controller rearranges thesymbols to award a payout determined by a combination of the symbolsrearranged on the payline and to award a payout determined on the basisof the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and thepayout rankings. In addition, when it is made a predetermined unitgame-number after selecting the scatter symbol, the game controllerreceives selection of the scatter symbol after a next game.

In the slot machine of the invention, the arrangement area and theselection area are provided to different parts of the display. Theselection object symbol whose selection-number is changed is arranged inthe selection area. When a selection signal is inputted from theexterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding to the selectionsignal, among the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set apayout ranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout rankingsignal inputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including thescatter symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area. After that, thepayout is awarded on the basis of a combination of the symbolsrearranged on the payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and out ofthe payline and the payout rankings. In addition, when it is made apredetermined unit game-number, it is received selection of the scattersymbol after a next game.

The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine havingstructures below. A selection signal is received from an exterior. Amongplural types of selection object symbols, it is set at least one of theselection object symbols having a type corresponding to the selectionsignal, as a scatter symbol. Payout rankings are set for the scattersymbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior.Plural symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged in adisplay. It is awarded a payout determined by a combination of thesymbols rearranged on a payline and a payout determined on the basis ofthe scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payoutrankings.

In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention, a selectionsignal is inputted from the exterior. Among the plural types of theselection object symbols, it is set at least one of the selection objectsymbols having a type corresponding to the selection signal, as ascatter symbol. In addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scattersymbol set, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior.Then, the symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged in adisplay. After that, it is awarded a payout determined by a combinationof the symbols rearranged on the payline and a payout determined on thebasis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline andthe payout rankings.

The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine havingstructures below. A selection signal is received from an exterior. Amongplural types of selection object symbols, it is set at least one of theselection object symbols having a type corresponding to the selectionsignal, as a scatter symbol. Payout rankings are set for the scattersymbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior.The scatter symbols are rearranged in a display and it is awarded apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged and thepayout rankings.

In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention, when aselection signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set a scattersymbol corresponding to the selection signal, among the plural types ofthe selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payout rankingfor the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking signal inputtedfrom the exterior. Then, the symbols including the scatter symbol arerearranged. After that, the payout is awarded on the basis of thescatter symbol rearranged and the payout ranking.

The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine havingstructures below. An arrangement area for arranging plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols are provided todifferent parts of a display. A selection signal is received from anexterior. Among the plural types of the selection object symbols, it isset at least one of the selection object symbols having a typecorresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol. Payoutrankings are set for the scatter symbols set, based on payout rankingsignals inputted from the exterior. The plural symbols including thescatter symbols are rearranged in the display. It is awarded a payoutdetermined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline and the payout rankings. When it is made apredetermined unit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol, it isreceived selection of the scatter symbol after a next game.

In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention, thearrangement and selection areas are provided to different part of thedisplay. The selection object symbols are arranged in the selectionarea. When a selection signal is inputted from the exterior, it is set ascatter symbol corresponding to the selection signal, among the pluraltypes of the selection object symbols. In addition, it is set a payoutranking for the scatter symbol set, based on a payout ranking signalinputted from the exterior. Then, the symbols including the scattersymbols are rearranged in the arrangement area. After that, it isawarded a payout determined on the basis of a combination of the symbolsrearranged on a payline, the scatter symbols rearranged on and out ofthe payline and the payout rankings. In addition, when it is made apredetermined unit game-number, it is received selection of the scattersymbol after a next game.

The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine havingstructures below. An arrangement area for arranging plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols are provided todifferent parts of a display. A selection signal is received from anexterior. A selection-number of the selection object symbols to bedisplayed in the selection area is changed, and among the selectionobject symbols, it is set at least one of the selection object symbolshaving a type corresponding to the selection signal, as a scattersymbol. Payout rankings are set for the scatter symbols set, based onpayout ranking signals inputted from the exterior. The plural symbolsincluding the scatter symbols are rearranged in the display. It isawarded a payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearrangedon a payline and a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbolsrearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings.

In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention, thearrangement and selection areas are provided to different part of thedisplay. The selection object symbol whose selection-number is changedis arranged in the selection area. When a selection signal is inputtedfrom the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding to theselection signal, among the plural types of the selection objectsymbols. In addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbolset, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then,the symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged in thearrangement area. After that, the payout is awarded on the basis of acombination of the symbols rearranged on the payline, the scattersymbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings.

The invention provides a playing method of a slot machine havingstructures below. An arrangement area for arranging plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols are provided todifferent parts of a display. A selection signal is received from anexterior. A selection-number of the selection object symbols to bedisplayed in the selection area is changed, and among the selectionobject symbols, it is set at least one of the selection object symbolshaving a type corresponding to the selection signal, as a scattersymbol. Payout rankings are set for the scatter symbols set, based onpayout ranking signals inputted from the exterior. The plural symbolsincluding the scatter symbols are rearranged in the display. It isawarded a payout determined by a combination of the symbols rearrangedon a payline and a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbolsrearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings. When it ismade a predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scattersymbol, it is received selection of the scatter symbol after a nextgame.

In the playing method of the slot machine of the invention, thearrangement and selection areas are provided to different part of thedisplay. The selection object symbol whose selection-number is changedis arranged in the selection area. When a selection signal is inputtedfrom the exterior, it is set a scatter symbol corresponding to theselection signal, among the plural types of the selection objectsymbols. In addition, it is set a payout ranking for the scatter symbolset, based on a payout ranking signal inputted from the exterior. Then,the symbols including the scatter symbols are rearranged in thearrangement area. After that, the payout is awarded on the basis of acombination of the symbols rearranged on the payline, the scattersymbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings. Inaddition, when it is made a predetermined unit game-number, it isreceived selection of the scatter symbol after a next game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a slot machine;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a slot machine;

FIG. 3 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 4 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 5 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 6 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 7 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 8 illustrates a display screen;

FIG. 9 shows symbols and code numbers thereof;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a slotmachine;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of a slot machine;

FIG. 12 illustrates a data table showing a relationship between asymbol, a payout ranking and a scatter flag;

FIG. 13 illustrates a data table showing a payout ranking and adisplay-number;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a game executing process;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a scatter symbol selecting process;

FIG. 16 illustrates a playing method of a slot machine;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a slot machine;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a scatter symbol selecting process;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a scatter symbol selecting process, and

FIG. 20 illustrates a playing method of a slot machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

It will be described an embodiment 1 of a slot machine and a playingmethod thereof according to the invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine executes a playing method comprisingsteps of receiving a selection signal from an exterior, setting, amongplural types of selection object symbols 181, at least one of theselection object symbols 181 having a type corresponding to theselection signal as a scatter symbol 182, setting payout rankings forthe scatter symbols 182 set, based on payout ranking signals inputtedfrom the exterior, rearranging plural symbols 180 including the scattersymbols 182 in a display unit 101, awarding a payout determined by acombination of the symbols 180 rearranged on a payline L and awarding apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols 182 rearranged onand out of the payline L and the payout rankings.

Further, the slot machine 10 executes a playing method comprising a stepof providing an arrangement area (display windows 151˜155) for arrangingthe plural symbols 180 and a selection area (selection windows 161, 162,163) for displaying the selection object symbols 181 to different partsof the display unit 101.

Herein, the “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols 180including the scatter symbols 182 are allowed to be visible with nakedeyes of an exterior player. In other words, in FIG. 1, the symbols 180are under state of being displayed in the display windows 151˜155. Inthe mean time, the “rearrangement” is meant by arranging the symbols 180again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols 180.

The “payout ranking” is meant by a size of a payout corresponding to thesymbol 180. Specifically, referring to a relationship of “BELL” and“CHERRY,” when a payout ranking of “BELL” is higher than that of“CHERRY,” more payouts are paid out for “BELL” than for “CHERRY.” Inaddition, the “payline” L is provided to determine a combination of thesymbols 180. In other words, when the symbols 180 are rearranged on andout of the payline L, a combination is determined for only the symbols180 rearranged on the pay line. As a result of the determination for acombination, when it is made a winning combination, it is carried out,for example, a process of paying out a coin in accordance with thewinning combination.

In addition, the “scatter symbol” 182 is a symbol making it a conditionthat a winning is made through only the rearrangement thereof,irrespective of the payline L. In other words, when the scatter symbol182 is rearranged, a winning is made and it is carried out, for example,a process of paying out a coin on the basis of the number of all thescatter symbols 182 rearranged on and out of the payline L. Furthermore,the 'symbol” is meant by all symbols used in the slot machine 10 andincludes the scatter symbols 182 and the selection object symbols 181.The payline L, the symbol 180, the scatter symbol 182 and the winningcombination will be more specifically described later.

(Display Unit 101)

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine executing the above playing methodis provided with a display unit 101 (display) and a game controller 100.The display unit 101 is structured to have the payline L and to arrangethe plural symbols including the scatter symbols.

The display unit 101 may be a mechanical structure with a reel devicefor arranging the symbols by rotation of a reel or electrical structurewith a video reel on which an image is displayed for arranging thesymbols. Further, the display unit 101 may be a structure of combining amechanical structure (reel) and an electrical structure (video reel).The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal device, a CRT(cathode-ray tube), a plasma display and the like. A detailed structureof the display unit 101 will be described later.

(Game Controller 100)

The game controller 100 has plural types of selection object symbols andis also structured to execute a first process of setting at least one ofthe selection object symbols having a type corresponding to a selectionsignal inputted from an exterior, as a scatter symbol, a second processof setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payoutranking signals inputted from the exterior, a third process ofrearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a combination ofsymbols rearranged on the payline and a fourth process of awarding apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline L and the payout rankings. In other words, the gamecontroller 100 has the plural types of selection object symbols and alsocomprises a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a thirdprocessing unit and a fourth processing unit. Herein, the “selectionobject symbol” is a symbol which will be set as a scatter symbol byplayer's selection.

Further, the game controller 100 is also structured to execute a fifthprocess of providing an arrangement area for arranging the pluralsymbols and a selection area for displaying the selection object symbolsto different parts of the display unit 101. In other words, the gamecontroller 100 comprises a fifth processing unit in addition to thefirst to fourth processing units.

The game controller 100 comprises a selection object symbol memory 105for storing the plural types of selection object symbols, a scattersymbol memory 106 for storing a selection object symbol selected by aplayer as a scatter symbol, a symbol memory 108 for storing all symbolsincluding the scatter symbol and a display symbol memory 107 for storingthe symbols in the respective memories 105, 106, 108 as a displaysymbol. The display symbol memory 107 can be accessed by a displaycontrol unit 102. The display control unit 102 sets the arrangement areafor arranging the plural symbols and the selection area for displayingthe selection object symbols to the different parts of the display unit101. In addition, the display control unit 102 reads out the symbol inthe display symbol memory 107 under control of a game executing unit 110and displays the plural symbols in the arrangement areas and theselection object symbols in the selection area. A detailed display statewill be described later.

In addition, the game controller 100 comprises a symbol selecting unit104 for specifying the selection object symbol having a typecorresponding to the selection signal and setting the specifiedselection object symbol as a scatter symbol. The symbol selecting unit104 receives the selection signal from an exterior input unit 103. Theexterior input unit 103 is separately provided from the game controller100 and receives the selection signal which is inputted by a player fromthe exterior. Meanwhile, the exterior input unit 103 may be a touchpanel provided to the display unit 101, or a mouse or selection button.

Further, the game controller 100 is connected to a game start unit 109.The game start unit 109 has a function of outputting a game start signalin accordance with control of the player. The game controller 100comprises a game executing unit 110 for rearranging the symbols with aninput of a game start signal, as trigger, from the game start unit 109,a combination payout determining unit 111 for determining a payoutdetermined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on the payline ina unit game, a scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 fordetermining a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbolsrearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings, and apayout award unit 113 for awarding the respective payouts determined inthe combination payout determining unit 111 and the scatter symbolpayout determining unit 112.

Further, the game controller 100 comprises a payout ranking selectingunit 117 to which a payout ranking signal is inputted from the exteriorinput unit 103. The payout ranking selecting unit 117 sets a payoutranking for the scatter symbol, which is stored in the scatter symbolmemory 106, based on the payout ranking signal. The payout rankingselecting unit 117 stores the scatter symbol and the payout rankingcorresponding to the scatter symbol in a payout ranking memory 118. Thepayout ranking memory 118 can be accessed by the scatter symbol payoutdetermining unit 112.

In the mean time, each block of the game controller 100 may bestructured with a hardware or software, as required.

(Operation of Game Controller 100)

In the above structure, an operation of the game controller 100 isdescribed. First, the selection object symbols in the selection objectsymbol memory 105 are displayed in the display unit 101 by the displaysymbol memory 107 and the display control unit 102. Thereby, a playercan select a desired scatter symbol among the selection object symbolsdisplayed in the display unit 101.

Furthermore, in the display unit 101, the plural symbols are displayedin the arrangement area and the selection object symbols are displayedin the selection area. In other words, the game controller 100 executesthe fifth process of providing the arrangement area for arranging theplural symbols and the selection area for displaying the selectionobject symbols to different parts of the display unit 101. Thereby, theplayer can easily recognize the selection object symbols because theselection object symbols are displayed in the selection area separatelyfrom the arrangement area.

Next, it is received a selection signal which is inputted by the playerusing the exterior input unit 103. The selection signal inputted fromthe exterior input unit 103 is contrasted with the types of theselection object symbols in the symbol selecting unit 104, so that it isselected a selection object symbol having a type corresponding to theselection signal. The selection object symbol selected is stored in thescatter symbol memory 106. Thereby, the game controller 100 executes thefirst process of setting at least one of the selection object symbolshaving a type corresponding to the selection signal inputted from anexterior, as a scatter symbol.

Next, it is received a payout ranking signal which is inputted by theplayer using the exterior input unit 103. The payout ranking signal iscontrasted with the types of the scatter symbols in the payout rankingselecting unit 117, so that it is set a payout ranking of the payoutranking signal for the scatter symbol contrasted. Then, the payoutranking and the scatter symbol are stored in the payout ranking memory118. Thereby, the game controller 100 executes the second process ofsetting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payoutranking signals inputted from the exterior. [0045]The scatter symbol inthe scatter symbol memory 106 is stored in the display symbol memory107. In the mean time, the symbol in the symbol memory 108 is stored inthe display symbol memory 107. The symbols including the scatter symbolin the display symbol memory 107 can be displayed in the display unit101 by the display control unit 102. Then, when the game executing unit110 executes a unit game, symbols relating to the unit game aredisplayed in the display unit 101, so that the symbols are rearranged.

Then, a payout, which is determined by a combination of the symbolsrearranged on the payline, is awarded by the scatter symbol payoutdetermining unit 112 and the payout award unit 113. In the mean time, apayout, which is determined on the basis of the scatter symbolsrearranged on and out of the payline L and the payout rankings, isawarded by the combination payout determining unit 111 and the payoutaward unit 113. Thereby, the game controller 100 executes the thirdprocess of rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by acombination of symbols rearranged on the payline and the fourth processof awarding a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbolsrearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings.

As can be clearly seen from the above operation, the slot machine 10embodies, as also shown in FIG. 1, the playing method of receiving aselection signal from an exterior, setting, among plural types ofselection object symbols 181, at least one of the selection objectsymbols 181 having a type corresponding to the selection signal asscatter symbols 182, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols 182set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior,rearranging plural symbols 180 including the scatter symbols 182 in thedisplay unit 101, awarding a payout determined by a combination of thesymbols 180 rearranged on the payline L and awarding a payout determinedon the basis of the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on and out of thepayline L and the payout rankings. Further, the slot machine 10 embodiesthe playing method of providing an arrangement area for arranging theplural symbols and a selection area for displaying selection objectsymbols to different parts of the display unit 101.

(Display State)

It will be specifically described an example of a display state of thedisplay unit 101, with respect to the operation processes of the slotmachine 10 and the playing method. In the mean time, as shown in FIGS. 3to 7, the display state is described with reference to a structure inwhich the display unit 101 arranges the symbols in a video reel mannerand a touch panel 69 (exterior input unit 103) is provided to a displaysurface of the display unit 101.

The display unit 101 has display windows 151˜155 as the arrangement areafor arranging the plural symbols. The display windows 151˜155 arearranged in a central part of the display unit 101. In the displaywindows 151˜155, columns of symbols consisting of the plural symbols 180are scroll-displayed. In addition, each of the display windows 151˜155is divided into upper, center and lower stages 151 a, 151 b, 151 c. Eachof the symbols is stopped (arranged) in the respective stages 151 a, 151b, 151 c. For example, in FIG. 3, “ORANGE” is stopped in the upper stage151 a of the display window 151, “STRAWBERRY” is stopped in the centerstage 151 b of the display window 151 and “BLUE 7” is stopped in thelower stage 151 c of the display window 151. As a result, the displaywindows 151˜155 display a symbol matrix consisting of 5 columns and 3rows. In the mean time, the symbol matrix is not limited to 5 columns/3rows.

In addition, the display unit 101 has three selection windows 161, 162,163 as the selection area for displaying the selection object symbols181. The selection windows 161, 162, 163 are arranged in a right-handedupper part of the display unit 101 so as not to overlap with the displaywindows 151˜155. “BELL,” “CHERRY” and “ORANGE,” which are the selectionobject symbols 181, are displayed in the selection windows 161, 162,163, respectively. Further, a selection object window 165 is providedbelow the selection windows 161, 162, 163. The selection object window165 displays symbols which are candidates of the selection objectsymbols 181. The selection object window 165 enables a player tointuitively recognize that the selection object symbols 181 are selectedamong the candidate symbols displayed in the selection object window 165and then displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163.

In the mean time, the number of the selection windows 161, 162, 163 isnot limited to three and may be plural. Further, the selection windows161, 162, 163 may be provided to an arbitrary position on condition thatthey can avoid the overlapping with the display windows 151˜155.

In addition, the display unit 101 has two scatter symbol display units171. The scatter symbol display units 171 have a basket shape, anddisplay the scatter symbols 182 as a received thing, as shown in FIG. 4.The scatter symbol display units 171 are provided to a left-handed uppercorner part of the display unit 101. In the mean time, the scattersymbol display units 171 may be provided to an arbitrary position oncondition that they can avoid the overlapping with the display windows151˜155 and the selection windows 161, 162, 163.

In the display unit 101 structured as described above, the display stateof FIG. 3 shows a state allowing the scatter symbols 182 to be selectedamong the selection object symbols 181. In other words, after thesymbols 180 are rearranged in the display windows 151˜155, it is made adisplay state shown in FIG. 3 at the time when a next game is started. Areceived thing is not shown in the scatter symbol display units 171. Inaddition, as a result of the lottery among the candidates of theselection object window 165, “BELL,” “CHERRY” and “ORANGE” arerespectively displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163, as theselection object symbols 181. Meanwhile, the display unit 101 maydisplay a character, change of background color or emphasis for urgingthe player to select the scatter symbol 182.

Thereby, the player can intuitively recognize that the player can selectthe scatter symbol 182 among the selection object symbols 181 byobserving a state in which the received state is not displayed in thescatter symbol display units 171 and a state in which the selectionobject symbols 181 are displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163,with naked eyes.

A display state of FIG. 4 shows a state of selecting the scatter symbols182. Specifically, when the player pushes “BELL” of the selection objectsymbols 181 with a hand 190, the touch panel 69 produces a selectionsignal indicating position information of “BELL.” Then, “BELL,” which isspecified on the basis of the selection signal, is moved to any one ofthe scatter symbol display units 171 while changing its size, and isthen received in the scatter symbol display unit 171. Thereby, theplayer can intuitively recognize that “BELL” has been set as the scattersymbol 182, by observing the successive movements of the selectionobject symbol 181 with naked eyes.

In addition, at this time, the other scatter symbol display unit 171 isempty. Accordingly, the player can continue to intuitively recognizethat the player can select the remaining selection object symbols 181displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163 as the scatter symbol182. After that, when the player pushes “CHERRY” of the selection objectsymbols 181, “CHERRY” is moved to the other scatter symbol display unit171 while changing its size, and is then received in the other scattersymbol display unit 171.

A display state of FIG. 5 shows a state after selecting the two scattersymbols 182. Specifically, “BELL” and “CHERRY” are displayed in thescatter symbol display units 171, as a received thing. In addition, theselection object symbols 181 disappear from the selection windows 161,162, 163. As a result, the player can intuitively recognize that theprocess of receiving the selection of the scatter symbol 182 has beencompleted, by observing the state in which nothing is displayed in theselection windows 161, 162, 163, with naked eyes.

A display state of FIG. 6 shows a state of setting payout rankings forthe scatter symbols 182, 182. In other words, “BELL” and “CHERRY” aredisplayed as a received thing, with respect to the scatter symbols 182,182. In this case, when the player pushes the scatter symbol displayunit 171 in which “CHERRY” is received, for example, the scatter symboldisplay unit 171 is enlarged. Thereby, the player can intuitivelyrecognize that the payout ranking of “CHERRY” becomes higher. In themean time, when the player then pushes the scatter symbol display unit171 in which “BELL” is received, the pushed scatter symbol display unit171 is enlarged and the other scatter symbol display unit 171 isdownscaled.

A display state of FIG. 7 shows a state in which a unit game is started.Specifically, the symbols 180 of the display windows 151˜155 arescroll-displayed. A display state of FIG. 8 shows a state in which theunit game has been completed. In other words, the symbols 180 of thedisplay windows 151˜155 are rearranged.

(Symbol, Combination, etc.)

As shown in FIG. 9, the symbols 180 to be displayed in the displaywindows 151˜155 of the display unit 101 constitute columns of symbols,each of which having 22 symbols. The symbols constituting the respectivecolumns of symbols are given with one code number of 0˜21. Each of thecolumns of symbols is constituted with a combination of symbols of“JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” “ORANGE”and “APPLE.”

The three successive symbols in the columns of symbols are displayed(arranged) in the upper, center and lower stages 151 a, 151 b, 151 c ofthe display windows 151˜155, respectively, so that they constitute asymbol matrix of 5 colums/3 rows. When a 1-BET button 26 or MAX-BETbutton 27 is pushed and then a spin button 23 is pushed, the symbolsconstituting the symbol matrix start the scroll. When the scroll starts,the scrolls of the respective symbols are stopped (rearranged) after apredetermined time period has lapsed.

In addition, various winning combinations are predetermined with regardto the respective symbols. The winning combination is a combination thata combination of symbols stopped on the payline L becomes anadvantageous state to the player. The advantageous state is a state inwhich a coin is paid out in accordance with the winning combination, astate in which the payout-number of coins is added to a credit, a statein which a bonus game is started, and the like.

Specifically, when a combination of “APPLE” symbol is stopped on thepayline L, a bonus is triggered and a gaming state is shifted to a bonusgame from a basic game. In addition, when a symbol of “CHERRY” isstopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game medium) are paid out per onebet. When a symbol of “PLUM” is stopped on the payline L, 5 coins arepaid out per one bet.

In the mean time, a bonus game is a gaming state that is moreadvantageous than a basic game. In one embodiment, the bonus game is afree game. The free game is a gaming state allowing a player to play agame for a predetermined number of times, without betting a coin. Thebonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming stateadvantageous to the player, i.e., it is more advantageous than the basicgame. For example, the bonus game may include a state in which it ispossible to obtain more game medium than in the basic game, a state inwhich it is possible to obtain a game medium in a higher probabilitythan in the basic game, a state in which a game medium is less consumedthan in the basic game, and the like. Specifically, a free game, asecond game and the like are examples of the bonus game.

(Mechanical Structure)

In the followings, it will be described an example of the slot machine10 structured in a mechanical and electrical manner.

As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine 10 is provided in a game arcade.The slot machine 10 executes a unit game by using a game medium. Thegame medium is a coin, bill or electronic negotiable informationcorresponding to them. Meanwhile, in the invention, the game medium isnot particularly limited. For example, a medal, token, electronic money,ticket and the like can be used. The ticket is not particularly limitedand may be a ticket with a barcode which will be described later.

The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided to anupper part of the cabinet 11 and a main door 13 provided to a front ofthe cabinet 11. The main door 13 is provided with a lower image displaypanel 16. The lower image display panel 16 has a transparent liquidcrystal panel for displaying a variety of information. The lower imagedisplay panel 16 displays a video reel and a variety of information andeffect images relating to a game. Specifically, the lower image displaypanel 16 displays the display windows 151˜155 of 5 colums/3 rows, theselection windows 161, 162, 163 and the scatter symbol display units171, as shown in FIG. 1, and other effect images, as required.

In the mean time, in this embodiment, it is exemplified a case where thesymbols of 5 colums/3 rows are displayed with the lower image displaypanel 16. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, amechanical reel having symbols provided to a periphery thereof may berotated and stopped to display symbols which are beyond a display window151˜155.

One activated payline L is displayed in the lower image display panel16. The payline L is set to horizontally traverse the center stages 151b of the display windows 151˜155. Meanwhile, in this embodiment,although the payline L traverses the center stages 151 b of the displaywindows 151˜155, it may traverse the other stages of the display windows151˜155. For example, the payline L may traverse the upper stages 151 aor lower stages 151 c of the display windows 151˜155. Alternatively, thepayline L may traverse the lower stage 151 c of the display window 151,the center stage 151 b of the display window 152 and the upper stage 151a of the display window 153. Further, the payline L may be 2 or more.When two or more paylines L are provided, all paylines L may beactivated and the number of paylines L relating to a predeterminedcondition such as bet-number of coins may be activated.

In the mean time, a credit-number display unit and a payout-numberdisplay unit may be displayed in the lower image display panel 16. Thecredit-number display unit displays a total number that the slot machine10 can pay out to a player (which will be also referred to as totalcredit-number). The payout-number display unit displays number of coinsto be paid out when a combination of symbols stopped on the payline is awinning combination.

A touch panel 69 is provided to a front surface of the lower imagedisplay panel 16. The touch panel 69 has plural contact points in amatrix form of longitudinal and transverse directions and allowsposition information, which indicates longitudinal and transversepositions of the pressed contact points, to be outputted as a commandsignal. In the mean time, the touch panel 69 may be a touch paneladopted in a mobile terminal or ATM of a bank.

A control panel 20, a coin receiving slot 21 and a bill validator 22 areprovided below the lower image display panel 16. The control panel 20 isprovided with plural buttons 23˜27. The buttons 23˜27 allowsinstructions, which are related to a game progress by a player, to beinputted. The coin receiving slot 21 enables a coin to be received inthe cabinet 11.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button24, a cash out button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET 27. The spinbutton 23 is a button for inputting an instruction to start the scrollof symbols. The change button 24 is a button to be used when a playerasks a staff in the game arcade for exchange of money. The cash outbutton 25 is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out the coinsof total credit-number into a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet onecoin, among coins of the total credit-number, per one game. The MAX-BETbutton 27 is a button for inputting an instruction to bet maximum coins(for example, 50 coins), among coins of the total credit-number, per onegame.

The bill validator 22 validates whether bill is normal or not andreceives the normal bill into the cabinet 11. In the mean time, the billvalidator 22 can read a ticket 39 having a barcode which will bedescribed later. When the bill validator 22 reads the ticket 39 having abarcode, it outputs a reading signal relating to the read content to amain CPU 41.

A belly glass 34 is provided to a lower frontal surface of the main door13, i.e., below the control panel 20. A character of the slot machine 10and the like are drawn on the belly glass 34. An upper image displaypanel 33 is mounted to a front of the top box 12. The upper imagedisplay panel 33 has a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example,an effect image and an image indicating an introduction of a gamecontent and an explanation of a game rule.

To the top box 12 is mounted a speaker 29 for outputting voice. A ticketprinter 35, a card reader 36, a data displayer 37 and a keypad 38 areprovided below the upper image display panel 33. The ticket printer 35prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, such as credit-number,date and time, identification number of the slot machine 10 and thelike, onto a ticket, thereby outputting the ticket 39 having thebarcode. The player can play a game in another slot machine with theticket 39 having a barcode and exchange the ticket 39 having a barcodewith bill in a change booth of the game arcade.

The card reader 36 reads and writes the data from and into a smart card.The smart card is a card carried by a player, into which data foridentifying the player and data relating to a game history of the playerare memorized.

The data displayer 37 consists of a fluorescent display and the like,and displays the data read by the card reader 36 and the data inputtedby the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 inputs instructionsor data relating to a ticket issue.

(Electrical Structure)

A control unit having the game controller 100 shown in FIG. 2 is mountedin the cabinet 11. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit comprises amotherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gamingboard 50, a sub CPU, a door PCB 80, and various switches and sensors.

The gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51,a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52 which are connected to each other by aninternal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53 and anIC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 stores a game program and a game system programtherein. The game program includes a stop symbol determining program.The stop symbol determining program is a program for determining asymbol (code number corresponding to the symbol) to be stopped on thepayline L. The stop symbol determining program includes symbol weightdata corresponding to each of plural payout rate (for example, 80%, 84%,88%). The symbol weight data is data representing a correspondencerelation between the code number of each symbol and 1 or plural randomnumbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0˜256) for each ofthe display windows 151˜155.

The payout rate is determined on the basis of data for setting a payoutrate, which is outputted from the GAL 54, and a stop symbol isdetermined on the basis of the symbol weight data corresponding to thepayout rate.

Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used for the gameprogram and the game system program. Specifically, the data representinga relationship between the symbols 180 displayed in the display windows151˜155 and the code numbers is stored in a data table form shown inFIG. 9. In addition, data representing a relationship between a symbol,a payout ranking and a scatter flag is stored in a payout rankingsetting table form of FIG. 12. Furthermore, data representing arelationship between a payout ranking, a display-number and a payout isstored in a payout setting table form of FIG. 13. The data tables inFIGS. 12 and 13 will be specifically described later. Further, thememory card 53 stores the selection object symbols 181 to be displayedin the selection windows 161, 162, 163. In the mean time, these data aretransmitted to a RAM 43 of the motherboard 40 when executing the gameprogram.

In addition, the card slot 53S is structured to insert and remove thememory card 53 and connected to the motherboard 40 through an IDE bus.Accordingly, it is possible to change a type or content of a game to beexecuted in the slot machine, by removing the memory card 53 from thecard slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program inthe memory card 53 and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot53S.

The game program includes a program relating to a game progress and aprogram for shifting a gaming state into a bonus game.

The GAL 54 is provided with plural input and output ports. When the datais inputted into the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs data correspondingto the inputted data from the output ports. The data outputted from theoutput ports is the data for setting a payout rate which has beendescribed above.

The IC socket 54S is structured to attach and detach the GAL 54. The ICsocket 54S is connected to the motherboard 40 through a PCI bus.Accordingly, it is possible to change the data for setting a payout ratewhich is outputted from the GAL 54, by detaching the GAL 54 from the ICsocket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54 and thenattaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are connected to eachother by the internal bus, are connected to the motherboard 40 throughthe PCI bus. The PCI bus carries out a signal transfer between themotherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power to the gamingboard 50 from the motherboard 40. The ROM 55 stores nationidentification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code)enabling the CPU 51 to execute the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (falsification check program)for authenticating the game program and the game system program. Theauthentication program is a program for confirming and verifying thatthe game program and the game system program are not falsified. In otherwords, the authentication program is described in accordance with aprocedure for authenticating the game program and the game systemprogram. The preliminary authentication program is a program forauthenticating the authentication program. The preliminaryauthentication program is described in accordance with a procedure forverifying that the authentication to be authenticated is not falsified,i.e., for authenticating the authentication program.

The motherboard 40 is provided with a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM(Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and acommunication interface 44.

The main CPU 41 has functions of a controller for controlling the wholeslot machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 carries out a controlfor outputting a command signal enabling the sub CPU to scroll thesymbols of the lower image display panel 16 when the spin button 23 ispushed after the credit is bet, a control for determining symbols to bestopped after the symbols are scrolled and a control for stopping thedetermined symbols in the display windows 151˜155.

In other words, the main CPU 41 has functions of an arrangementcontroller for selecting and determining arrangement symbols with regardto a symbol matrix from the plural types of symbols so as to rearrangethem, as a new symbol matrix after scrolling the plural symbols to bedisplayed in the lower image display panel 16, and executing anarrangement control which will be stopped at the determined symbols fromthe scroll state.

In addition, the main CPU 41 has functions of the game controller 100for executing a first process of setting at least one of the selectionobject symbols 181 having a type corresponding to a selection signalinputted from the touch panel 69, as a scatter symbol, a second processof setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payoutranking signals inputted from the exterior, a third process ofrearranging the symbols 180 to award a payout determined by acombination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L and a fourthprocess of awarding a payout determined on the basis of the scattersymbols 182 rearranged on and out of the payline L and the payoutrankings.

The ROM 42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basis Input/Output System)executed by the main CPU 41, and data that is permanently used. When theBIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, each of peripheral devices isinitialized and the game program and the game system program stored inthe memory card 53 are read out through the gaming board 50.

The RAM 43 stores the data or program which is used when the CPU 41carries out a process. For example, in the RAM 43, the selection objectsymbol memory 105, the scatter symbol memory 106, the symbol memory 108,the display symbol memory 107 and the payout ranking memory 118 shown inFIG. 2 are provided in a data area form, respectively. The data area ofthe selection object symbol memory 105 stores the selection objectsymbols 181. The data area of the scatter symbol memory 106 stores thescatter symbols 182. The data area of the symbol memory 108 stores thesymbols 180 in the data table form shown in FIG. 8. The data area of thedisplay symbol memory 107 stores the symbols 180, the selection objectsymbols 181 and the scatter symbols 182.

In addition, the data area of the payout ranking memory 118 stores thepayout rankings corresponding to the scatter symbols 182. In otherwords, the data of the payout ranking setting table in FIG. 12 and thedata of the payout table in FIG. 13 are stored.

The communication interface 44 is provided to communicate with a hostcomputer and the like through a communication line, which are mounted inthe game arcade. In addition, the motherboard 40 is connected to themain body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and the door PCB 80 through aUSB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the motherboard 40 is connected toa power unit 45. When power is supplied to the motherboard 40 from thepower unit 45, the main CPU 41 of the motherboard 40 is operated and thepower is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus, so thatthe CPU 51 is also operated.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to a device orapparatus for producing an input signal which will be inputted to themain CPU 41, and a device or apparatus which is controlled by thecontrol signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executesthe game program and the game system program stored in the RAM 43, basedon the input signal inputted to the main CPU 41 to carry out anarithmetic process, thereby storing a result thereof in the RAM 43 ortransmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus to control it.

The main body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, the sub CPU 61, ahopper 66, a coin sensor 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, thetouch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket printer 35, the cardreader 36, a key switch 38S and the data displayer 37.

The lamp 30 is turned on/off on the basis of the control signaloutputted from the main CPU 41. The sub CPU controls the scroll ofsymbols of the display windows 151˜155 and is connected to a VDP (VideoDisplay Processor). The VDP reads out image data of the symbol stored inan image data ROM, produces a scroll image to be displayed in thedisplay windows 151˜155 and outputs the scroll image in the lower imagedisplay panel 16.

The hopper 66 is mounted in the cabinet 11 and pays out predeterminednumber of coins to the coin tray 18 from the coin payout slot 19, basedon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The coin sensor 67is mounted in the coin payout slot 19 and outputs an input signal to themain CPU 41 when it detects that the predetermined number of coins arepaid out from the coin payout slot 19.

The graphic board 68 controls image displays in the upper image displaypanel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, based on the controlsignal outputted from the main CPU 41. In addition, the graphic board 68is provided with a VDP for producing image data on the basis of thecontrol signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM fortemporarily storing the image data produced by the VDP, and the like.

The bill validator 22 reads out an image of the bill and accommodatesthe normal bill in the cabinet 11. In addition, in accommodating thenormal bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the mainCPU 41, based on an amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores acredit-number, which corresponds to the amount of the bill transmittedby the input signal, in the RAM 43.

The ticket printer 35 prints a barcode having data encoded thereto, suchas credit-number stored in the RAM 43, date and time, identificationnumber of the slot machine 10 and the like, on a ticket, based on thecontrol signal outputted from the main CPU 41, thereby outputting theticket 39 having the barcode.

The card reader 36 reads the data from the smart card to transmit it tothe main CPU 41, and writes the data into the smart card, based on thecontrol signal outputted from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S ismounted to the keypad 38, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41when the player manipulates the keypad 38. The data displayer 37displays the data which is read by the card reader 36 or the data whichthe player inputs through the keypad 38, based on the control signaloutputted from the main CPU 41.

The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a reverter 21S,a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 isprovided with a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, achange switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a cash outswitch 25S corresponding to the cash out button 25, a 1-BET switch 26Scorresponding to the 1-BET button 26 and a MAX-BET switch 27Scorresponding to the MAX-BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S˜27Soutputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of thecorresponding buttons 23˜27 is pushed by a player.

The coin counter 21C is mounted in the coin receiving slot 21 andvalidates whether a coin, which is inserted in the coin receiving slot21 by the player, is normal or not. A coin except the normal coin isdischarged from the coin payout slot 19. In addition, the coin counter21C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects a normalcoin.

The coin counter 21C is operated on the basis of the control signaloutputted from the main CPU 41 and distributes a coin, which isrecognized as a normal coin by the coin counter 21C, to a cash box (notshown) or hopper 66 mounted in the slot machine 10. In other words, whenthe hopper 66 is fully filled with the coins, the normal coin isdistributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. In the mean time,when the hopper 66 is not fully filled with the coins, the normal coinis distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions asa backlight mounted to rear sides of the lower image display panel 16and the upper image display panel 33 and is turned on, based on thecontrol signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

(Data Table)

In the followings, it will be described the payout ranking setting tablein FIG. 12. The table has a symbol column, a payout ranking column and ascatter flag column. The symbol column stores five types of symbolsconsisting of “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “ORANGE,” “STRAWBERRY” and “PLUM.” Thepayout ranking column is adapted to store any one of data representing 5stages of payout rankings consisting of “A1˜A5.” In the mean time, thepayout rankings becomes higher from “A1” to “A5.”

In addition, the scatter flag column stores any one scatter flag of “1”and “0.” The scatter flag of “1” represents that a symbol of the rowthereof is set as a scatter symbol. In other words, when the scatterflag is “1,” the selection object symbol 181 is moved to the scattersymbol display unit 171 of FIG. 1. Meanwhile, the scatter flag of “0”represents that a symbol of the row thereof is not set as a scattersymbol.

In the followings, it will be described the payout setting table in FIG.13. The table has a payout ranking column and a payout-number column.The payout ranking column corresponds to the data of the payout rankingcolumn in FIG. 13. In other words, for example, in case that “A1,” “A2,”“A3,” “A4” and “A5” are set for “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “ORANGE,” “STRAWBERRY”and “PLUM”, respectively, the payout ranking column in FIG. 13 is sameas a state of storing “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “ORANGE,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,”“BLUE 7,” “JACKPOT 7” and “APPLE”, respectively.

The display-number column is subdivided into a display-number column of1˜3, display-number columns of 4˜5 and a display-number column of 6 ormore. Each of the display-number columns stores a payout-number ofcoins, correspondingly to the payout rankings. Specifically, when adisplay-number of “BLUE 7” is one, 20 coins are paid out. In addition,for example, with regard to a case where ♭A2” of the payout rankings isset for “BELL” and the scatter flag is “1,” when a display-number is 2,8 coins are paid out.

(Processing Operation)

In the followings, it will be described a process which is carried outin the slot machine 10. When the main CPU 41 reads out and executes thegame program, a game is started. As shown in FIG. 14, in the gameexecuting process, it is determined whether a coin is bet (S10). In thisprocess, it is determined whether it is received an input signal fromthe 1-BET switch 26S as the 1-BET button 26 is pushed and whether it isreceived an input signal from the MAX-BET switch 27S as the MAX-BETbutton 27 is pushed. When the coin is not bet (S10, NO), the step of S10is re-executed and it is under standby state until a coin is bet.

In the mean time, when the coin is bet (S10, YES), the credit-numberstored in the RAM 43 is subtracted, correspondingly to the number ofcoins bet (S11). Meanwhile, if the number of coins bet is larger thanthe credit-number stored in the RAM 43, it is not carried out theprocess of subtracting the credit-number and the step of S11 isre-executed. In addition, if the number of coins bet is above the upperlimit (50 pieces in this embodiment) which can be bet per one game, itis not carried out the process of subtracting the credit-number and astep of S12 is carried out.

Next, a scatter symbol selecting process is carried out (S12).Specifically, it is carried out a scatter symbol selecting processroutine in FIG. 15. First, as shown in FIG. 3, it is determined theselection object symbols 181 as the number of the selection windows 161,162, 163 by lottery (S100). After that, the determined selection objectsymbols 181 are displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163. Forexample, “BELL,” “CHERRY” and “ORANGE,” which are the selection objectsymbols 181, are displayed, respectively (S101). In addition, at thesame time, the received things (scatter symbols 182) of the scattersymbol display units 171 disappear.

Thereby, the player can intuitively recognize that the player can selectthe scatter symbol 182 among the selection object symbols 181 byobserving a state in which the received thing is not displayed in thescatter symbol display units 171 and a state in which the selectionobject symbols 181 are displayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163,with naked eyes. In addition, the player can enjoy that the player canfreely select the scatter symbol 182 among the plural types of selectionobject symbols 181.

In addition, since the selection object symbols 181 are determined bythe lottery, it is high a possibility that types thereof may differentevery time. Thereby, the player can enjoy that the player can play anext game using the scatter symbols 182 having a type different from thescatter symbols 182 used in the previous game. As a result, since typesof the selectable selection object symbols 181 are varied, it is easilypreferred by a player who cares about a jinx.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the touch panel 69 is pushed by aplayer's hand 190, a touch panel signal outputted from the touch panel69 is introduced (S102). After that, it is determined whether the playerhas pushed the selection object symbol 181, based on the touch panelsignal (S103). When the selection object symbol 181 has been pushed(S102, YES), the selection object symbol 181 is stored as the scattersymbol 182. In other words, the selection object symbol is stored in thedata area of the RAM 43 formed as the scatter symbol memory 106 of FIG.2 (S106). Meanwhile, at this time, in the data table in FIG. 12, thescatter flags corresponding to “BELL” and “CHERRY” are set as “1,”respectively, and the remaining scatter flag are set as “0.”

In the mean time, when the player does not push the selection objectsymbols 181 (S103, NO), such as a case where the player is pushing thesymbols 180 of the display windows 151˜155, it is continuouslydetermined whether allowed selection time has lapsed (S104). When theallowed selection time has not lapsed (S104, NO), the process of S102 isexecuted, so that it is introduced a next touch panel signal from thetouch panel 69. When the allowed selection time has lapsed (S104, YES),all the scatter symbols 182 are automatically selected among theselection object symbols 181 (S105). Then, the selection object symbols181 are stored as the scatter symbols 182 (S106).

After that, as it is displayed that the selection object symbol 181pushed is moved to the scatter symbol display unit 171 from theselection windows 161, 162, 163, it is notified that the scatter symbol182 has been set (S107). Then, it is determined whether all selectionshave been completed, i.e., whether the scatter symbols 182 are displayedin all the scatter symbol display units 171, as a received thing (S108).When all selections have not been completed (S108, NO), the process isre-executed from S102 and it is started a next selection of the scattersymbol 182.

When all selections have been completed (S108, YES), it is notified thata payout setting is allowed, as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, thescatter symbol display units 171 are flickered and it is displayed aphrase such as “please, set payout rankings.” (S109). After that, asshown in FIG. 6, when the player pushes the touch panel 69, it isintroduced a touch panel signal outputted from the touch panel 69(S110). Then, based on the touch panel signal, it is determined whetherthe player has pushed the scatter symbol display unit 171 (S111).[0123]When the scatter symbol display unit 171 is pushed (S111, YES), itis set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol 182 pushed (S114).

Specifically, in the data table of FIG. 12, it is set a ranking having alower payout ranking (i.e., a ranking disadvantageous to the player)with respect to the display-number of the scatter symbol display unit171. In other words, “A1” and “A2” are selected among “A1”˜“A5.” Then,for example, when the touch panel 69 is pushed for a part correspondingto the scatter symbol display unit 171, the payout ranking of thescatter symbol 182 in the scatter symbol display unit 171 is changedevery predetermined time. Then, when the player takes away the hand 190from the touch panel 69, a payout ranking is set at the timing. In themean time, the payout ranking may be set in such a manner that thepayout ranking is varied whenever the touch panel 69 is pushed.

When the payout ranking is varied, a size of the scatter symbol displayunit 171 is enlarged and downscaled. Thereby, the player can easily seta desired payout ranking by checking the size with naked eyes whilepushing the scatter symbol display unit 171. In FIG. 8, the enlargedscatter symbol display unit 171 receives the scatter symbol 182 of“CHERRY,” while the downscaled scatter symbol display unit 171 receivesthe scatter symbols 182 of “BELL.” Accordingly, in this case, in thedata table of FIG. 12, the payout ranking corresponding to “CHERRY”becomes “A2,” while the payout ranking corresponding to “BELL” becomes“A1.” The payout rankings of the other symbols may be set automaticallyor set into a default preset.

In addition, when the scatter symbol display unit 171 is not pushed(S111, NO), it is continuously determined whether the allowed selectiontime has lapsed (S112). When the allowed selection time has not lapsed(S112, NO), the process of S110 is carried out, so that it is introduceda next touch panel signal from the touch panel 69. When the allowedselection time has lapsed (S112, YES), it is set automatically thepayout rankings for all the scatter symbols 182. Then, the selectionobject symbols 181 are memorized as the scatter symbols 182 (S106).

In the processes of S113 and S114, when the payout rankings are setmanually and automatically, it is determined whether it has beencompleted the setting of all payout rankings (S115). When all settingshave not been completed (S115, NO), the process is re-executed fromS110. Meanwhile, when all settings have been completed (S115, YES), thisroutine is ended and the process is returned to the game executionprocessing routine in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the execution is returned to the gameexecution processing routine, it is determined whether the spin button23 is ON or not (S13). When the spin button 23 is not ON (S13, NO), theprocess is returned to the step of S10. Meanwhile, in case that the spinbutton 23 is not ON (for example, the spin button 23 is not ON and aninstruction to end the game is inputted), it is canceled the subtractionresult in the step of S11.

In the mean time, when the spin button 23 is ON (S13, YES), a symboldetermining process is executed (S14). In other words, a stop symboldetermining program stored in the RAM 43 is executed, so that it isdetermined the symbols 180 which will be stopped in the fifteenrespective stages of the display windows 151˜155. Thereby, it isdetermined a combination of symbols to be stopped on the payline L.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the symbols 180 of the display windows 151˜155are scroll-displayed (S15). In the mean time, the scroll process is suchthat the symbols 180 are scrolled in an arrow direction and then thesymbols 180 determined in the step of S14 are stopped (rearranged) inthe display windows 151˜155.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether a combination ofsymbols 180 stopped on the payline L is a winning combination or not(S16). When it is not a winning combination (S16, NO), it is continuedto determine whether the scatter symbol 182 is displayed (rearranged) inthe display windows 151˜155 (S17). When the scatter symbol 182 is notdisplayed (S17, NO), this routine is ended.

In the mean time, when it is a winning combination (S16, YES) and/or thescatter symbol 182 is displayed (S17, YES), a payout process of S18 isexecuted. In other words, when it is made a winning of the winningcombination, it is calculated a payout-number of coins based on thewinning. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, when it is made a winning ofthe scatter symbol 182, it is calculated a payout-number of coins basedon the display-number of the scatter symbol 182 on the basis of thesymbol, the payout ranking, the display-number and the scatter flag.Then, it is summed up the payout-number of coins based on the winningcombination and the payout-number of coins based on the scatter symbol182.

In case that the paid out coins are deposited, a predeterminedcredit-number is added to the credit-number stored in the RAM 43. In themean time, in case that the coins are paid out, a control signal istransmitted to the hopper 66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins.

In the mean time, in the display states of FIGS. 1 and 8, it is not madea winning combination. Meanwhile, the five scatter symbols 182 (“BELL”)and the four scatter symbols 182 (“CHERRY”) are displayed. Accordingly,as shown in FIG. 13, a total sum of 5 corresponding to thedisplay-number of “BELL” and 8 corresponding to the display-number of“CHERRY” becomes a payout-number of coins (S18).

Next, it is determined whether it is made a bonus trigger as a winningcombination. In other words, it is determined whether a combination of“APPLE” is arranged on the payline L (S19). When it is determined thatthe bonus trigger is made (S19, YES), it is executed a bonus gameprocess (S20). In the mean time, when the bonus trigger is not made(S19, NO), it means a losing. As a result, this routine is ended.

Embodiment 2

It will be described an embodiment 2 of the slot machine 10 and theplaying method thereof, according to the invention. In the mean time,the same members as the embodiment 1 are referred to with the samereference numerals and descriptions thereof are thus omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the slot machine carries out a playing methodcomprising steps of: receiving selection of the scatter symbol 182 aftera next game, in case that it becomes a predetermined unit game-numberafter selecting the scatter symbol 182; and changing a selection-numberof the selection object symbols 181 in case of receiving the selectionof the scatter symbol 182, in addition to the steps of the playingmethod in the embodiment 1. In the mean time, FIG. 16 shows a state inwhich three scatter symbols 182 consisting of “BELL,” “CHERRY” and“ORANGE” are selected among the five selection object symbols 181. Theother structures are same as the embodiment 1.

The slot machine 10 of the invention has a display unit (display) 101and a game controller 100, as shown in FIG. 17. The display unit 101 hasa payline L and is structured to arrange plural symbols includingscatter symbols.

The game controller 100 is structured to execute a sixth process ofreceiving selection of the scatter symbol after a next game in case thatit becomes a predetermined unit game-number after selecting the scattersymbol, in addition to the first to fifth processes of the embodiment 1.Further, the slot machine 10 is structured to execute a seventh processof changing a selection-number of the selection object symbols in caseof receiving the selection of the scatter symbol. In other words, thegame controller 100 has plural types of selection object symbols andfirst, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh processing units.

(Game Controller 100)

The game controller 100 is provided with a game count unit 114 to whicha game start signal is inputted from a game start unit 109, a selectionstart determining unit 115 to which a count value signal is inputtedfrom the game count unit 114 and a display-number lottery unit 116 towhich a determining signal is inputted from the selection startdetermining unit 115.

Whenever a game start signal is inputted, the game count unit 114 countsup a unit game-number and outputs a unit game-number as a count valuesignal. When the unit game-number of the count value signal is apredetermined number, the selection start determining unit 115 outputs aselection start signal to the display lottery unit 116 and the gamecount unit 114. The game count unit 114 clears the unit game-number to“0”, based on the selection start signal inputted. In the mean time, thedisplay lottery unit 116 determines a display-number of the selectionobject symbols with the input of the selection start signal as trigger,and determines the selection object symbols as the display-number.Further, the display lottery unit 116 determines a display-number of thescatter symbol display units 117 in FIG. 17 with the input of theselection start signal as trigger. In addition, the display lottery unit116 outputs the selection object symbols as the display-number to thedisplay symbol memory 107 from the selection object symbol memory 105,thereby displaying the selection object symbols as the display-number inthe display unit 101. The other structures are same as the embodiment 1.

In the structure as described above, an operation of the slot machine100 is described.

Whenever a game start signal is inputted from the game start unit 109,the unit game-number is counted up in the game start unit 109. The unitgame-number is outputted to the selection start determining unit 115, asa count value signal. When the unit game-number is a predeterminednumber, a selection start signal is outputted to the game start unit109. Then, a display-number of the selection object symbols isdetermined and the selection object symbols as the display-number aredetermined in the display lottery unit 116. After that, the selectionobject symbols as the display-number are outputted to the display symbolmemory 107 from the selection object symbol memory 105, so that theselection object symbols as the display-number are displayed in thedisplay unit 101. The other operations are same as the embodiment 1.

As a result, the game controller 100 carries out the sixth process ofreceiving selection of the scatter symbol after a next game, in casethat it becomes a predetermined unit game-number after selecting ascatter symbol on the basis of the selection object symbols displayed inthe display unit 101. In addition, the game controller 100 executes theseventh process of changing a selection-number of the scatter symbol incase of receiving the selection of the scatter symbol.

As can be clearly seen from the above operations, the slot machine 10embodies a playing method of receiving selection of the scatter symbolafter a next game, in case that it becomes a predetermined unitgame-number after selecting the scatter symbol. In addition, the slotmachine 10 embodies a playing method of changing a selection-number ofthe selection object symbols in case of receiving the selection of thescatter symbol.

(Display State)

It is specifically described an example of a display state in thedisplay unit 101 during the operations of the slot machine 10 and theplaying method thereof. A display state in the display unit 101 of FIG.16 shows a state allowing three scatter symbols 182 to be selected amongthe three selection object symbols 181. In addition, as in theembodiment 1, the selection object window 165 is provided below theselection windows 161, 162, 163. The selection object window 165displays symbols which are candidates of the selection object symbols181. Accordingly, a player can intuitively recognize that the selectionobject symbols 181 are selected among the candidate symbols displayed inthe selection object window 165 and then displayed in the selectionwindows 161, 162, 163.

(Processing Operation)

The slot machine 10 has the same mechanical and electrical structures asthe embodiment 1, except that the process routine in FIG. 16 is replacedwith process routines in FIGS. 18 and 19. In the followings, it will bespecifically described a processing operation of the slot machine 10.

In the game executing process of FIG. 14, when a scatter symbolselecting process is executed (S12), a scatter symbol process routine ofFIG. 18 is carried out. First, a unit game-number is counted up (S200).Then, it is determined whether the unit game-number is a predeterminedvalue (S201). When the unit game-number is not a predetermined value(S201, NO), this routine is ended and the process is returned to thegame executing process of FIG. 14. Accordingly, in this case, a unitgame is repeated using a same type of scatter symbols 182.

In the mean time, when the unit game-number is a predetermined value(S201, YES), a display-number is determined by lottery (S202). Then, theselection object symbols 181 as the display-number are determined bylottery (S203). The selection object symbols 181 determined aredisplayed in the selection windows 161, 162, 163 (S204). As a result,the player can recognize that the scatter symbols 182 can be selectedafter playing a predetermined number of games. In addition, the playercan enjoy that it is possible to play a next game using a different typeof scatter symbols 182 from the scatter symbols 182 to date.Furthermore, since the type or number of the selectable selection objectsymbols 181 is varied, it is easily preferred by a player who caresabout a jinx.

Next, a selection-number is determined by lottery (S205). After that,the scatter symbol display units 171 having a basket shape are displayedas the selection-number (S206). Thereby, the player can have animpression that the selection object symbols 181 of the selectionwindows 161, 162, 163 are received, by observing the basket shape withnaked eyes. In addition, the player can easily understand asetting-number which can be set for the scatter symbols 182, inaccordance with a display-number of the scatter symbol units 171 havingthe basket shape. [0150]After that, it is introduced a touch panelsignal from the touch panel 69 through the operation of the player(S207). Then, it is determined whether the player has pushed theselection object symbol 181, based on the touch panel signal (S208).When the selection object symbol 181 has been pushed (S208, YES), theselection object symbol 181 is memorized as a scatter symbol 182 (S211).Then, the scatter symbol 182 memorized is displayed (S212) and then astep of S213 is executed.

In the mean time, when the selection object symbol 181 is not pushed(S208, NO), it is continuously determined whether the allowed selectiontime has lapsed (S209). When the allowed selection time has not lapsed(S209, NO), the process of S207 is executed, so that it is introduced anext touch panel signal from the touch panel 69. When the allowedselection time has lapsed (S209, YES), the selection object symbol isautomatically selected among the selection object symbols 181 displayedin the selection windows 161, 162, 163 (S210), and then memorized as ascatter symbol 182 (S211).

After that, the selection object symbol 181 selected is moved to thescatter symbol display unit 171 and is displayed as a received thing ofthe scatter symbol display unit 171, so that it is notified that theselection object symbol 181 selected has been set as the scatter symbol182 (S212). Then, it is determined whether all selections have beencompleted, i.e., whether the scatter symbols 182 are displayed as areceived thing in all the scatter symbol display units 171 (S213). Whenall selections have not been completed (S213, NO), the process isre-executed from S207 and it is started next selection of the scattersymbol 182.

When the selections of all the scatter symbols 182 have been completed(S213, YES), as shown in FIG. 19, it is notified that a payout settingis allowed, as in the embodiment 1 (S214). After that, a touch panelsignal is introduced (S215). Then, based on the touch panel signal, itis determined whether the player has pushed the scatter symbol displayunit 171 (S216).

When the scatter symbol display unit 171 has been pushed (S216, YES), itis set a payout ranking for the scatter symbol 182 pushed (S219). In themean time, when the scatter symbol display unit 171 has not been pushed(S216, NO), it is continued to determine whether the allowed selectiontime has lapsed (S217). When the allowed selection has not lapsed (S217,NO), the process of S215 is executed, so that it is introduced a nexttouch panel signal from the touch panel 69. When the allowed selectiontime has lapsed (S217, YES), it is automatically set the payout rankingsfor all the scatter symbols 182 (S218).

After that, when the payout rankings are manually and automatically setin the processes of S219 and S218, it is determined whether all thesettings of the payout rankings have been completed (S220). When all thesettings have not been completed (S220, NO), the process is re-executedfrom S215. In the mean time, when all the setting have been completed(S220, YES), the unit game-number is cleared to “0” (S221) and theprocess is then returned to the game execution processing routine fromthis routine. The other operations are same as the embodiment 1.

Embodiment 3

In the followings, it will be described an embodiment 3 of the slotmachine 10 and the playing method thereof, according to the invention.In the mean time, the same members as the embodiments 1 and 2 arereferred to with the same reference numerals and descriptions thereofare thus omitted.

As shown in FIG. 20, the slot machine executes a playing methodcomprising steps of receiving a selection signal from an exterior,setting, among the plural types of selection object symbols 181, atleast one of the selection object symbols 181 having a typecorresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol 182, settingpayout rankings for the scatter symbols 182 set, based on payout rankingsignals inputted from the exterior, rearranging the scatter symbols 182in the lower image display panel 16 (display) and awarding a payoutdetermined on the basis of the scatter-symbols 182 rearranged and thepayout rankings.

Further, the slot machine 10 executes a playing method comprising a stepof providing the display windows 151˜155, which are the arrangement areafor arranging the plural symbols 180, and the selection windows 161,162, 163, which are the selection area for displaying the selectionobject symbols 181, to different parts of the display unit 101.

Further, the slot machine 10 carries out a method comprising steps ofreceiving selection of the scatter symbol 182 after a next game in casethat it is made a predetermined unit game-number after selecting ascatter symbol 182, and changing a selection-number of the selectionobject symbols 181 in case of receiving the scatter symbol 182. Sincethe other operations and structures are same as the embodiment 1 or 2,except that there is no operation or block (scatter symbol payoutdetermining unit 112 in FIG. 2) related to the payline L, thedescriptions thereof are omitted.

Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to thecharacteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, theinvention is not limited to the embodiments as described above and canbe applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should beconstrued as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseologyused in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate theinvention, not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and thelike included in the spirit of the invention can be derived from thespirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, itshould be considered that the invention covers equivalent structuresthereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided sothat an intellectual property office and a general public institution orone skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal orprofessional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features andessences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly,the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention thatshould be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required tosufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, soas to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computeror computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have beenprovided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the inventionmost effectively. In the specification, the respective steps used toinduce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing functionshould be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. Inaddition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received andwritten in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in therespective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbolcharacter, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these havebeen used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although theprocesses in the respective steps or blocks have been often described asan expression common to a human action, the process described in thespecification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. Inaddition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps orblocks are apparent from the above descriptions.

1. A slot machine comprising: a display having a payline and arrangingplural symbols including a scatter symbol, and a game controller havingplural types of selection object symbols, setting at least of theselection object symbols having a type corresponding to a selectionsignal inputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol, setting payoutrankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signalsinputted from the exterior, and rearranging the symbols to award apayout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on thepayline and to award a payout determined on the basis of the scattersymbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings. 2.A slot machine comprising: a display arranging a scatter symbol, and agame controller having plural types of selection object symbols, settingat least one of the selection object symbols having a type correspondingto a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as the scatter symbol,setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payoutranking signals inputted from the exterior, rearranging the scattersymbols and awarding a payout determined on the basis of the scattersymbols rearranged and the payout rankings.
 3. The slot machineaccording to claim 1, wherein the game controller provides anarrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and a selection areafor displaying the selection object symbols to different parts of thedisplay.
 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the gamecontroller receives selection of the scatter symbol after a next game,when it is made a predetermined unit game-number after selecting thescatter symbol.
 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein thegame controller changes a selection-number of the selection objectsymbols, when it receives the selection of the scatter symbol.
 6. A slotmachine comprising: a display having a payline and arranging pluralsymbols including a scatter symbol, and a game controller providing anarrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and a selection areafor displaying selection object symbols to different parts of thedisplay, having plural types of selection object symbols to be displayedin the selection area, setting at least one of the selection objectsymbols having a type corresponding to a selection signal inputted froman exterior, as the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for thescatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from theexterior, rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by acombination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving selection ofthe scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a predeterminedunit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol.
 7. A slot machinecomprising: a display having a payline and arranging plural symbolsincluding a scatter symbol, and a game controller providing anarrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and a selection areafor displaying selection object symbols to different parts of thedisplay, changing a selection-number of the selection object symbols tobe displayed in the selection area, setting, among the selection objectsymbols, at least one of the selection object symbols having a typecorresponding to a selection signal inputted from an exterior, as thescatter symbol, setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set,based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior, andrearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by a combination ofthe symbols rearranged on the payline and to award a payout determinedon the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the paylineand the payout rankings.
 8. A slot machine comprising: a display havinga payline and arranging plural symbols including a scatter symbol, and agame controller providing an arrangement area for arranging the pluralsymbols and a selection area for displaying selection object symbols todifferent parts of the display, changing a selection-number of theselection object symbols to be displayed in the selection area, setting,among the selection object symbols, at least one of the selection objectsymbols having a type corresponding to a selection signal inputted froman exterior, as the scatter symbol, setting payout rankings for thescatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from theexterior, rearranging the symbols to award a payout determined by acombination of the symbols rearranged on the payline and to award apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving selection ofthe scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a predeterminedunit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol.
 9. A playing methodof a slot machine having structures below, comprising: receiving aselection signal from an exterior;, setting, among plural types ofselection object symbols, at least one of the selection object symbolshaving a type corresponding to the selection signal, as a scattersymbol; setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based onpayout ranking signals inputted from the exterior; rearranging pluralsymbols including the scatter symbols in a display, and awarding apayout determined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on apayline and a payout determined on the basis of the scatter symbolsrearranged on and out of the payline and the payout rankings.
 10. Aplaying method of a slot machine having structures below, comprising:receiving a selection signal from an exterior; setting, among pluraltypes of selection object symbols, at least one of the selection objectsymbols having a type corresponding to the selection signal, as ascatter symbol; setting payout rankings for the scatter symbols set,based on payout ranking signals inputted from the exterior; rearrangingthe scatter symbols in a display, and awarding a payout determined onthe basis of the scatter symbols rearranged and the payout rankings. 11.The playing method according to claim 9, wherein an arrangement area forarranging the plural symbols and a selection area for displaying theselection object symbols are provided to different parts of the display.12. The playing method according to claim 9, receiving selection of thescatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a predetermined unitgame-number after selecting the scatter symbol.
 13. The playing methodaccording to claim 9, changing a selection-number of the selectionobject symbols, when receiving the selection of the scatter symbol. 14.A playing method of a slot machine having structures below, comprising:providing an arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and aselection area for displaying selection object symbols are provided todifferent parts of a display; receiving a selection signal from anexterior; setting, among the plural types of the selection objectsymbols, at least one of the selection object symbols having a typecorresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol; settingpayout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout rankingsignals inputted from the exterior; rearranging the plural symbolsincluding the scatter symbols in the display; awarding a payoutdetermined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline and the payout rankings, and receiving selection ofthe scatter symbol after a next game, when it is made a predeterminedunit game-number after selecting the scatter symbol.
 15. A playingmethod of a slot machine having structures below, comprising: providingan arrangement area for arranging the plural symbols and a selectionarea for displaying selection object symbols are provided to differentparts of a display; receiving a selection signal from an exterior;changing a selection-number of the selection object symbols to bedisplayed in the selection area, setting, among the selection objectsymbols, at least one of the selection object symbols having a typecorresponding to the selection signal, as a scatter symbol; settingpayout rankings for the scatter symbols set, based on payout rankingsignals inputted from the exterior; rearranging the plural symbolsincluding the scatter symbols in the display, and awarding a payoutdetermined by a combination of the symbols rearranged on a payline and apayout determined on the basis of the scatter symbols rearranged on andout of the payline and the payout rankings.
 16. A playing method of aslot machine having structures below, comprising: providing arrangementarea for arranging the plural symbols and a selection area fordisplaying selection object symbols to different parts of a display;receiving a selection signal from an exterior; changing aselection-number of the selection object symbols to be displayed in theselection area, setting, among the selection object symbols, at leastone of the selection object symbols having a type corresponding to theselection signal, as a scatter symbol; setting payout rankings for thescatter symbols set, based on payout ranking signals inputted from theexterior; rearranging the plural symbols including the scatter symbolsin the display; awarding a payout determined by a combination of thesymbols rearranged on a payline and a payout determined on the basis ofthe scatter symbols rearranged on and out of the payline and the payoutrankings, and receiving selection of the scatter symbol after a nextgame, when it is made a predetermined unit game-number after selectingthe scatter symbol.